Good performance, with a little luck. Important that after the Brighton game we won our two home games and we've done it, scoring 5 goals and conceding none!
I thought the way we set up was pretty good, we were able to play in the Derby half and apply pressure on them. Towards the end of the first half we looked nervous, defended bravely in general and got lucky with the Batth incident. We played some very good football ourselves, in general this season we have looked to get the ball wide but since the arrival of Afobe we have been able to play through the middle and with mcDonald and Price we have two intelligent passers of the ball who allow us to do so.
Second half, having scored so early we had to deal with a bit of an onslaught, and although we sat too deep we actually dealt with it OK. They didn't have many chances, certainly not clear cut. Good save from Kuszczak that he tipped on to the post that commentator didn't seem to pick up on, slightest of touches to keep it out. Even though he missed it, Afobe having a chance like that on the break made them more cautious with their play and from there we started to relieve some pressure. Both the subs were the right ones, credit to KJ as it worked well Edwards gave us legs in the middle, while van la Parra, who I thought was poor for most of the time he was on, was a useful outlet for his pace. Second goalw as ridiculous but we will take it! From then on I had worries at all, we were fairly comfortable.
Kuszczak - 6 - some good stops, but he makes me nervous with his kicking and his unwillingness to dominate his area.
Doherty - 6 - some good play going forward, good in the air, good tackling higher up the pitch but gets caught out positionally still too often. Needs to improve 1v1 which is a strength of Iorfa's and makes it clear to see the difference
Batth - 6 - lucky not to be sent off, but solid as per and his passing wasn't bad either
Stearman - 7 - another good performance. Throws himself in front of the ball to protect his goal and is a leader at the back
Golbourne - 7 - we are so much better with him in the team! So good on the ball, gets forward well and defensively so safe.
Henry - 6 - did well, worked very hard and links well with the players around him
McDonald - 8 - so enjoyable to watch, another assist, hopefully he can continue this impressive run of form
Price - 7 - allows McDonald to get on the ball more and moves the ball quickly and effectively. Some good crunching tackles too.
Sako - 8 - Excellent. He has been hit and miss lately but he produced a great performance today. Derby defenders found him difficult to defend against
Afobe - 7 - had two chances to score which he was quite unlucky with both. Works well with Dicko too!
Dicko - 8 - Another player coming back into form at a good time for us! Thoroughly deserved his goal, the way he holds onto the ball is brilliant
Subs
Edwards - 6, van la parra- 6, Doyle n/a